Module 6: Lab 6 Capsule Staining

Capsule staining is a specialized microbiological technique used to visualize the gelatinous outer layer, or capsule, that surrounds certain bacterial cells. Unlike many staining procedures that color the cell itself, capsule staining relies on contrasting the background and the cell to reveal the presence of the capsule as a clear, halo-like zone. This structure, typically composed of polysaccharides or polypeptides, plays an important role in bacterial survival by aiding in adhesion, protecting cells from desiccation, and helping pathogenic bacteria evade host immune defenses such as phagocytosis. In this module, students will explore the structure and function of bacterial capsules, learn the principles behind capsule staining, and develop the skills needed to correctly perform the procedure and interpret stained specimens using the microscope.

Slide prepared and image captured by Professor Erica A. Burns, Fletcher Technical Community College.

To achieve these objectives: [Edit these items to match your resources and activities.]

1. Read the Module 6 Introduction 
2. Read Chapter # in Textbook Title, Article Title, etc. [Include all reading assignments here that are outside of Moodle. Be as concise as possible. More information can be included in the third-party section below, if necessary.]
3. Complete the [specific activities in the module. Include all in the order you want them completed. If an activity supports the development of foundational and/or industry-specific digital skills, note the skill to which it aligns]

**Please note: the final project should be submitted in this module or the next. Consider this when assigning activities and for grading time.

Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.